What does a material planner, assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A material planner, assistant works to ensure that the right materials are available at the right place and time within warehouse and production operations. Tasks include planning material flows, ordering goods, monitoring stock levels, and coordinating between suppliers, purchasing, production, and logistics. The role requires precision, good organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The work is often conducted in an office environment near warehouses or production units, involving continuous contact with both internal and external parties.
Salary development over time
The salary for a material planner, assistant has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,000 SEK per month. In 2023, it increased to 32 100 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 3.5%. From 2023 to 2024, the average salary further rose to 33 400 SEK, an increase of nearly 4%. This salary development reflects a continued demand for efficient material planning and a gradual appreciation of the role, despite the overall relatively stable job market for the profession. Gender differences remain, but salary gaps are relatively small compared to many other professions.
Material planner, assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 25,900 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-high school education)
- Highest salary: 35,500 SEK/month (female, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
- Hourly wage: 201 SEK/hour (average for hourly workers)
- Gender differences: Women earn an average of 32 700 SEK/month, men 33 600 SEK/month (97% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: No specific regional data, but variations may occur depending on labor market and company size.
Education and qualifications
To work as a material planner, assistant, a high school diploma with a focus on logistics, economics, or administration is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience from warehousing, logistics, or purchasing, and sometimes post-secondary education or relevant courses in material management. Practical experience and good IT skills are advantageous and can be decisive during recruitment.
- High school diploma: Economics, logistics, or administration (3 years)
- Post-secondary courses: In logistics, purchasing, or supply chain (6–24 months)
- Internships: Meritorious, often through workplace-based learning during education
- IT skills: Experience with enterprise systems and Excel is often required
- Certifications: Possible, such as APICS or similar logistics certificates
A material planner, assistant often plays a central role in avoiding production stoppages or unnecessary inventory costs, which requires close cooperation with both production and suppliers. The role suits those who enjoy problem-solving and quickly finding solutions to unexpected situations.
Common benefits and compensations
Material planners, assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, pension contributions, and flexible working hours. Other common benefits include subsidized lunches, staff discounts, and sometimes remote work options depending on employer and tasks.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a material planner, assistant is relatively high, as there is a nationwide surplus of warehouse and terminal staff according to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast. The number of available positions is limited compared to the number of applicants, which may require experience and specialized skills. The industry’s digitalization and increased automation mean that job tasks are evolving and demand for technical competence is rising. To stand out, good IT skills and the ability to adapt to new systems and ways of working are often necessary.
Tips for those wishing to become a material planner, assistant
To succeed as a material planner, assistant, it is beneficial to have analytical skills and a detail-oriented mindset, as the work requires careful planning and follow-up. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and contact with suppliers. Working systematically and being flexible are important, as unexpected changes in deliveries or production often occur. To increase chances of employment, actively seek internships in logistics or purchasing and regularly update IT skills. Showing engagement and initiative is appreciated by employers, especially when quick decisions are needed. Finally, having a willingness to continuously learn new systems and processes is an advantage to meet industry developments.
Key facts about a material planner, assistant
- Educational level: High school diploma, often supplemented with short courses
- Work environment: Office-adjacent warehouses and production, sometimes shift work
- Work form: Full-time is most common, but part-time positions also occur
- Demand: Limited opportunities for new employment according to the Swedish Public Employment Service
- Special skills: IT systems, material flows, and logistics processes
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a material planner, assistant, there are good opportunities to advance to more qualified roles such as material planner, purchaser, or logistics coordinator. Some choose to specialize in supply chain management or move into leadership positions within warehousing and logistics. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, recruitment in the industry is expected to be characterized by a surplus, with limited job opportunities nationwide. Over a five-year horizon, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for positions may continue to be intense. To improve career prospects, ongoing skill development, especially in digital tools and process optimization, is recommended.
Common questions about a material planner, assistant
- What is the average salary for a material planner, assistant?
- The average salary is 33 400 SEK per month.
- What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn an average of 32 700 SEK and men 33 600 SEK, which means women have 97% of men's salary.
- What education is required?
- A high school diploma with focus on logistics, economics, or administration is recommended, supplemented with relevant internships or courses.
- What is the state of the job market?
- Opportunities for new employment are limited, and there is a surplus of labor within the profession.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Variations exist, but no specific regional statistics are available; larger cities and industrial regions may offer slightly higher salaries.
- What career paths are available?
- It is common to advance to roles such as material planner, purchaser, or logistics coordinator after a few years of experience.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Accuracy, stress resistance, teamwork skills, and good communication are essential qualities.
